The Belvidere North cheerleading team used its time off wisely in preparation for today's NIC-10 cheer meet.

The meet had been originally scheduled for last Thursday, but was postponed.

"It's nice to have a few extra practices," said North co-coach Tammy Rentschler, who was named the NIC-10 coach of the year last year when her team won its second straight conference title.

Rentschler said the staff got a chance to work in some younger talent and team members had a opportunity to rest their bodies.

But with the meet change, all teams will have a stacked week with sectionals right away on Saturday.

"There is only one recovery day in between," said Rentschler said. "I think all us NIC-10 coaches are hoping and praying no one is injured Thursday night, as that only gives us Friday to make changes. Each kid has such a specific job that it is very difficult to bring in an alternate at the last minute."

Despite graduating two first-team all-conference cheerleaders in Nicho Reppert and conference MVP Jake O'Connor, North remains a favorite to defend the title. As it has been for many years, the likes of Belvidere, Hononegah and Boylan will chase as well as Guilford, which took fourth at last season's meet.

If North wins, it will become the third team in NIC-10 cheerleading history to capture three titles, joining Belvidere and Hononegah.